As Rwanda continues to celebrate the 30th Liberation anniversary, observed on July 4 every year, the Ubumuntu Arts Festival, which has been a beacon of hope and artistic expression, gears up for its 10th anniversary from July 18 to 28. This grand celebration will be held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial's amphitheatre.
Celebrating a Decade of Artistic Excellence
Theme: Integrity: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
This year's theme, 'Integrity: Resilience in the Face of Adversity,' honors artists who have shown steadfast commitment and innovative spirit. The festival will feature workshops and panel discussions on resilience, ethical leadership, and integrity. These sessions aim to equip participants with practical skills and inspiration from real-life experiences.
A Platform for Universal Values
The Ubumuntu Arts Festival centres around a powerful means of communication, providing a platform for expressing opinions, addressing pertinent issues, and sharing universal values that impact humanity as a whole. Founded on the principles of humanity, the Ubumuntu Arts Organization aims to bridge cultural and national divides through the power of art. This annual festival has become a cornerstone event that attracts artists and audiences from across the globe.
Highlights of the Festival
Expanding the Celebration
Unlike previous events, which held a one-day conference and a three-day festival, this year's festival extends to 10 days to mark a decade of impact. The diverse events include:
- July 18: Ikaze Night â€" Welcome attendees.
- July 19 to 21: Ubumuntu Classic Performances.
- July 22: Loud Silence: Mental Health Day â€" Raising awareness about mental health and promoting mental well-being.
- July 23: Creative Currents: Science, Art, and Tech Day.
- July 24: Letters of Legacy: Literature Day â€" A celebration of the written word featuring renowned authors and poets.
- July 25: Green is Me: Environmental Awareness Day â€" Focused on raising awareness about environmental issues.
- July 26 to 28: Listening and Leading: The Art and Science of Peace, Resilience, and Transformational Justice.
Voices from the Festival
'We are immensely proud to mark a decade of Ubumuntu (Being Human). This anniversary is a significant milestone for us, celebrating 10 years of profound storytelling and impactful art that has touched hearts and stimulated dialogue among diverse communities,' said Hope Azeda, founder and curator of the Ubumuntu Arts Festival.
According to Fola Folayan, the media spokesperson, the theme, aligned with Rwanda's 30th Liberation anniversary, will feature specially curated workshops and panel discussions focused on resilience-building strategies, ethical leadership, and maintaining integrity in challenging times.
Empowering the Youth
'We are also paying special attention to empowering the youth in Rwanda through mentorship sessions and leadership training, recognizing their role in sustaining the values of integrity and resilience that are the hallmark of this great country,' Folayan added. 'We have performances that pay tribute to those who have demonstrated exceptional integrity and resilience in the face of adversity, particularly during Rwanda's liberation struggle. These tributes serve as powerful reminders and sources of inspiration for everyone.'
Achievements and Future Aspirations
Cultural Exchange and Collaboration
Over the past decade, the Ubumuntu Arts Festival has witnessed significant cultural exchange and collaboration, facilitating numerous cross-cultural collaborations and bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds to create and perform together. It has been instrumental in nurturing emerging artists, providing them with platforms to showcase their work, network with established artists, and gain exposure. This support has helped launch the careers of many talented individuals.
Looking Ahead
'This year, we hope to engage and develop the youth through creative activities, fostering community cohesion and cultural preservation. We also want to boost our local economy by attracting tourism and supporting Rwandan creators and artists,' said Folayan.
She added, 'We look forward to serving as an inspiration and model for other arts festivals in the world, demonstrating how arts can drive social change and community building while also creating networking opportunities and enhancing Rwanda's reputation for cultural and artistic excellence.'
Conclusion
Join us at the Ubumuntu Arts Festival as we celebrate 10 years of inspiring creativity, resilience, and integrity. This festival not only showcases the power of art to bridge divides but also honors the spirit of humanity that unites us all. Be part of this monumental event and experience the transformative power of art.
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